Ladakh, nicknamed "The Land of High Passes" is a region in northern India unlike any other. Landscapes:Located high in the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges, Ladakh boasts dramatic scenery with snow-capped peaks, stark deserts, and turquoise lakes. This cold desert is the only one of its kind in India. Due to its high altitude, low-light pollution, and dry climate, Ladakh offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. In fact, India's first night sky sanctuary is being built here in Hanle. The challenging terrain of Ladakh makes it a haven for adventure seekers. You can go trekking on high-altitude trails, mountain biking, white water rafting, or even try your hand at off-roading on some of the world's highest motorable roads, like the Khardung La. A high-altitude saltwater lake situated at 14,270 feet, Pangong Tso is one of the world's highest saltwater lakes. Magnetic Hill, an optical illusion, creates the illusion that vehicles climb uphill here defying gravity. Nubra Valley is a high-altitude desert valley known for its sand dunes, Bactrian camels (often called double-humped camels), and ancient monasteries. The largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery is perched dramatically on a hilltop. A 15th-century monastery built on a hill resembling a giant beehive, Thiksey Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. A former royal palace built in the 17th century, Leh Palace is now a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to Ladakhi history and culture. Located at an altitude of over 15,000 feet, Tso Moriri is a high-altitude freshwater lake known for its crystal-clear water.